Chair



April 9, 1963 H. D. CHAPMAN 3,084,977

CHAIR Filed Jan. 9, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 9, 1963 H. D. CHAPMAN CHAIR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 9, 1962 The present invention relates generally to chairs, and is more particularly concerned with the provision of a chair structure including means affording vertical stacking of a plurality of chairs and the placement of a series of chairs in fixed, side-by-side relation to form an aligned row of the chairs.

In connection with chairs which are primarily intended for use in public seating arrangements, such as auditoriums, lecture rooms and the like, it is desirable that the chairs be capable of being -readily secured together in an aligned row and, also, that such aligned chairs may be easily removed from the seating area and stacked in a minimum of space. For this purpose, there have been designed in recent years a number of chair structures which afford vertical stacking of the chairs and/or a temporary, iixed alignment of the chairs in rows, which latter arrangement is commonly referred to as ganging of the chairs. However, such previous designs have not been entirely satisfactory in all respects, and the present invention is particularly idirected to a structural arrangement for a chair which is believed to afford definite advantages' over the prior art construction.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved chair structure which affords ganging and/ or stacking of a plurality of chairs. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved chair structure, including a brace portion for the legs of the chair which also serves -to accommodate vertical stacking of a plurality of the chairs and gauging or lateral alignment of a number of the chairs in a row. Still another object of the present invention is to provide novel complementary bracket structures which are adapted to interconnect diverging front and rear leg members on opposite sides of a chair, with each of such bracket structures including means for releasably engaging a complementary bracket on another similar chair so as to releasably fix the two together in laterally aligned relation. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved form of chair leg structure, which is adapted to support a seat-forming portion of a chair and which includes means affording 'vertical stacking of a plurality of such structures, as well as affording detachable connection of a plurality of such structures in aligned, side-byside relation. Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the selected embodiment of this invention, which is illustrated in the a-ccompanying two sheets of drawings, wherein:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of the chair structure;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a pair of chairs disposed in vertically stacked relation;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a pair of chairs embodying the invention and arranged in fixed lateral alignment with each other;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary View of the chairs seen in the preceding figures and particularly illustrates one of the bracket means which affords stacking and ganging of the chairs;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5 5 in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along the line @-6 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged, elevational view of the other bracket means on the supporting leg structure of the chair;

3FM-,977 Patented Apr. 9, i963 FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary, bottom plan view of the chair, illustrating the attachment between the leg structure and the seat portion of the chair; and

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the chair structure, particularly illustrating the attachment between the leg structure and the seat portion.

In providing chairs for public and institutional use, it is important that the chairs be lightweight, comfortable and easily handled for setting up and storage purposes. Furthermore, it is important that such chairs be quite durable, since they are ordinarily handled quite frequently and are used by the public with no more than ordinary concern for their condition and length of life. Then too, it is usually important that the chairs be reasonably attractive in appearance and comfortable to sit in for relatively long periods of time. It is believed that the chair illustrated in the accompanying drawings satisiies each of these requirements. Furthermore, such chairs include relatively simple means Iwhich afford easy stacking of the chairs for storage and which also afford easy placement of the chairs in relatively fixed relation in an aligned row for seating purposes.

With reference particularly to FIGURE l of the drawings, it will be seen that the illustrated embodiment of this invention comprises generally a chair 1G having a molded plastic shell 12 providing -a seat and back rest and which is `attached to .and Isupported by a tubular metal leg structure 14. The chair shell 12 is ya unitary body including a concave seat section 16, a concave back rest portion 18, and a ribbed or corrugated intermediate section 20 which connects the back rest and the seat. -In the illustrated embodiment, the yseat d6 is provided with an upholstered pad 17 and the back is similarly provided with a pad I9. Preferably, the pads 17 and 19 each comprise a shaped piece of plastic or plywood which is upholstered and then secured in place by suitable fastening means. The entire periphery of the seat-forming portion 10 of the chair is provided with a downwardly |and rearwardly facing lip, with the lip porti-on 22 (FIGURE 9) at the top of the chair being of suflicient size to permit easy grasping of the chair at this point.

The supporting leg structure 14 comprises a pair of similarly bent, generally U-shaped, tubular metal members 24 and 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg portions of these Ushaped members are tapered toward their outer ends to provide a more graceful and pleasing appearance for the chair. Each of these outer ends also has detach-ably iixed thereto a foot portion 28 in the form of a universally mounted pad or button, which may be metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. Such button is constructed to permit swivelling movement of its lower section relative to the leg to thereby insure yfull supporting engagement between the foot and the supporting surface.

The U-shaped leg members 24 Iand 26 have a major portion of their bight section bent in an arcuate shape (FIGURE 8), and such bight portion B0' is lfixed, `as by welding or other suitable fastening means, with a pair `of spaced-apart, elongated brackets 32. which are adapted to 4be detachably connected with the seat. More particularly, each of these elongated brackets 32 includes an upwardly and lforwardly disposed flange portion 34 (FIG- URE 9) at its forward end whichy has an opening therethrough 4for insertion of a bolt or other fastening means. This fastening means may be in 4the form of a stud screw which is iixedly mounted in a boss 36 formed on the underside of .the seat. The stud extends through the opening in supporting bracket and :a nut 38 is threaded on the projecting end to secure the seat to the bracket. A similar arrangement is provided .for securing a rearward portion of the seat to -a rearward portion of each supporting bracket. In this respect, the supporting bracket 3 may be provided with van elongated slot toward its rear end, so as to accommodate variable spacings between the bosses on the underside of the seat.

The U-shaped leg members 24 and 26 are disposed so that Atheir curved bight portions 30 afford -a maximum distance between the positions of supoprt Iat the front and rear of the seat 16, respectively, while yet providing for relatively close spacing of the upper ends of the leg portions, as seen in FIGURE 1. The leg portions Z4 and 26 extend downwardly from the seat 16 on opposite sides thereof (FIGURES 1-3) and at positions spaced laterally outwardly from the seat. These downwardly extending leg portions diverge fore-and-aft of the chai-r to thereby provide a maximum supporting b-ase area for the chair. The diverging -legs on each side of the chair are arranged in coplanar relation, particularly for the purpose of 'affording vertical stacking and gauging of the ch-airs inthe manner to be described.

In order to provide vertical stacking and gauging of the chairs, and also to provide addition-a1 bracing for the leg structure, there is provided a pair of generally A- shaped brackets 40 and 42 (FIGURES 4 and 7) which interconnect the leg members on each side of the chair, respectively, at an upper position therealong. Although the Ipair of brackets 4i) and 42 are quite similar in appearance, certain portions of one bracket differ with respect to corresponding portions of the other bracket, so as -to afford interlocking engagement therebetween for gauging of the chairs. The bracket 4t)y is illustrated in FIGURE 4 of the drawings, wherein it is seen Ithat this bracket is suitably fixed to the front and rear leg members on one side of the chair, .as by welding the curved side flange portions 44 thereof to the sides of the respective legs. rlhe bracket 40 includes parallel and vertically spaced upper and lower cross members 46 and 48, which are preferably ribbed longitudin-ally -to provide additional strength as well as to improve the appearance of the bracket. Furthermore, the lower cross member 48 on the bracket (FIGURE includes inwardly turned flange portions 50 along its upper and lower edges, in order to strengthen the bracket and also to facilitate vertical stacking of the chairs and to help stabilize the chairs in their stacked position. The upper member 46 is also preferably flanged at least along its upper edge at 52. The inner edge portions of the sides `S4 of the bracket, which are disposed intermediate the upper and lower cross members 416 and 48, are for-mcd to .provide a pair of offset llange portions 56 which project outwardly of the main plane of the bracket, as seen particularly in lFIGURES 5 and 6 of the drawings. These spaced-apart flanges- 56 are arranged in upwardly converging relation to one another for cooperative engagement with complementary portions of a second bracket in a manner to be described.

The bracket 42 (FIGURE 7), which is iixed to the other side of the chair in a manner similar to that described with respect to the first bracket 40, is seen particularly in FIGURES 6 and 7. This bracket also includes upper and lower cross members 46a and 43a, which are identical with those of the previously described bracket. However, Ithe intermediate section of this bracket is formed differently from the previously described bracket 46, particularly in that :the inner edge portions of the sides 54a of the bracket 42 are formed to provide a pair of oppositely facing channel sections et). These channel sections are open toward the front and rear of the chair, respectively, and are upwardly inclined in converging relation to each other. The channels are dimensional and arranged with respect to the dimensions and position of the off-set flange portions 56 of the other bracket 40, so as to slidably receive such off-set flanges 56 for interlocking engagement therebetween, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 6.

Immediately above each of the brackets 40 and 42, and adjacent the opposite sides thereof, there is suitably fixed to each leg member a protruding stud or pin 62 which provides the support for the overlying chair in a vertically stacked arrangement, such as is seen in FIGURE 2. In this respect, the upper edge of each bracket is preferably cut away or recessed at this position on the leg, so as to accommodate placement of the stud in closer relation to the bracket without interfering with the stacking function. As noted particularly in FIGURES 4 and 7 of the drawings, these pins or stu-ds 62 are adapted to be received within a recess 64 formed in the lower edge of the lower cross member of the bracket on the underlying chair. This recess is preferably formed by bending the central section of the cross members `43 and 48a inwardly. In this manner, the flanges 5t) and Stia provide a greater area for engagement with the studs `62, and the side edges of the recess 64 Ialord easy placement of .the bracket on the studs. It is preferred that a reasonably close tolerance be provided between `the recess 64 and the span of the studs, so las to thereby ylimit relative movement between the stacked chairs in a fore-and-af-t direction, and that the depth of the recess 64 be -at least one diameter of studs 62. It is seen, therefore, that a plurality of chairs may be readily stacked in vertical relation to one another by placement of each chair over an underlying chair, so that the bracket recesses 64 engage the studs 62 on the legs of the underlying chair.

In providing lateral alignment or ganging of the chairs, it is only necessary to elevate a chair a small yamount; relative to an adjacent chair, so that the downwardly diverging flange portions 56 of the bracket on the elevated chair may be lowered into interlocking engagement with the complementary flange portions 60 on the yadjoining chair. The adjacent chairs are thus interlocked in the manner seen particularly in lFIGURES 3 and 6 of the drawings. The wedging action provided by the engagement of the diverging ilange portions `56, 6? assures fixed engagement of the chairs and yet enables easy disassembly of the aligned chairs when it is necessary to remove the chairs, as for storage or the like. It will be apparent that the particular configuration of the brackets (46, 42) and specifically the diverging flange portions (56, 66) also prevents any substantial relative movement between the chairs in a fore-and-aft direction, thereby assuring that the chairs will be maintained in their position of lateral alignment in a single row. In disassembling the chair-s from their row or gang arrangement, it is only necessary to lift the end-most chair upwardly in order to free the chair from the adjacent chair, and this procedure can then belfollowed in sequence with respect to each remaining end chair.

It is seen, therefore, that there is provided a form of chair construction, Iand more particularly a form of leg supporting bracket, which enables selective placement of a plurality of such chairs in either vertically stacked relation or :in laterally `aligned relation to provide a unitary row arrangement, while affording maximum stability of the chai-rs in either selected arrangement. Furthermore, the illustrated structure provides suflicient strength and durability lto withstand the frequent use required for chairs of this type, as well as to withstand the abuse which is frequently encountered in connection with chairs used in public seating arrangements.

Although shown and described with respect lto particular structure, it will be apparent that various modifications might be made without departing from the principles of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A chair construction comprising a seat, a supporting leg structure connected with said seat and comprising on each side thereof a front leg member and a rear leg member, and a pair of brackets disposed, respectively, in transverse relation to said front and rear leg member on each side of said seat, with each bracketv providing a brace means which interconnects 4said front and rear leg, one of said brackets including a pair of outwardly offset flange portions which are spaced apart along the side of the chair and which flange portions are vertically inclined in upwardly converging relation, and the other of said brackets including a pair of outwardly offset channel shaped sections which are spaced along the side of the chair and which define, respectively, a forwardly and a rearwardly facing channel disposed in upwardly converging relation, said flange portions of said one bracket being complementary in arrangement to said channel shaped portions of said other bracket, so that the former can be received by t-he latter to hold the two in position relative to each other, whereby two or more chairs can be placed in sideby-side relation with said one bracket on one chair detachably connected with said other bracket on the adjoining chair.

2. In combination with a chair construction having a seat, and a supporting leg structure connected with said seat and comprising on each side thereof a front leg member and a rear leg member disposed in downwardly diverging, coplanar relation, a pair of brackets disposed, respectively, in transverse relation to said front and rear leg member on each side of said seat, with each bracket providing a brace means which interconnects said front and rear leg, one of said brackets including a pair of flange portions which are oifset outwardly of the plane of said leg members, said flange portions being spaced apart along the side of the chair and vertically inclined in upwardly converging relation, and the other of said brackets including a pair of channel shaped sections which are olfset outwardly of the plane of said leg members, said channel shaped sections being spaced along the side of the chair and define, respectively, a forwardly and a rearwardly facing channel disposed in upwardly converging relation, said ilange portions of said one bracket being complementary in arrangement to said channel shaped sections of said other bracket, so that the former can be received by the latter to hold the two in position relative to each other, whereby two or more chairs can be placed in sideby-side relation with said one bracket on one chair detachably connected with said other bracket on the adjoining chair.

3. A chair base construction adapted for detachably interconnecting a plurality of the chair bases in a laterally aligned row, said chair base comprising a pair of inverted, generally U-shaped members with the sides thereof forming a pair of legs disposed in generally coplanar relation along each side of the base, and a pair of brackets frxedly disposed, respectively, in transverse relation to the 4front and rear leg on each side of said base, one of said brackets including a pair of outwardly offset flange portions which are spaced apart along one side of the base and which flange portions are vertically inclined in upwardly converging relation, and the other of said brackets including a pair of outwardly offset channel shaped sections which are spaced along the other side of said base and which dene, respectively, a forwardly and a rearwardly -facing channel disposed in upwardly converging relation, said flange portions of said one bracket being complementary in arrangement to said -channel shaped portions of said other bracket, so that the former can be received by the latter to hold the two in position relative to each other, whereby two or more chair bases can be placed in sideby-side relation with said one bracket on one base detachably connected with said other bracket on the adjoining base.

4. A chair construction comprising a seat, a supporting leg structure connected with said seat and comprising on each side thereof a front leg member and a rear leg member, a pair of brackets disposed, respectively, in transverse relation to said front and rear leg member on each side of said seat, with each bracket providing a brace means which interconnects said front and rear leg, one of said brackets including a pair of outwardly off-set flange portions which are spaced apart along the side of the chair and which flange portions are vertically inclined in upwardly converging relation, and the other of said brackets including a pair of outwardly off-set channel shaped sections which are spaced along the side of the chair and which define, respectively, a forwardly and a rearwardly facing channel disposed in upwardly converging relation, said flange portions of said one bracket being complementary in arrangement to said channel shaped portions of said other bracket, so that the former can be received by the latter to hold the two in position relative to each other, whereby two or more chairs can be placed in side-by-side relation with said one bracket on one chair -detachably connected with said other bracket on the adjoining chair, each of said brackets having a lower transverse member formed along its lower edge to provide a downwardly facing recess, and a stud fixed to each of said front and rear legs at generally horizontally aligned positions adjacent the upper part of said brackets and in positions to be received within the span of said downwardly facing recess, whereby two or more chairs can be stacked vertically in superposed relation with said lower transverse member on each side of a chair being in supported engagement with a pair of said studs on the leg structure of the underlying chair.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,952,300 Cohen Sept. 13, 1960 3,009,738 Piker Nov. 21, 1961 3,018,131 Krueger Ian. 23, 1962 3,031,227 Van Buren Apr. 24, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 487,416 Great Britain June 21, 1938 862,789 Great Britain Mar. 15, 1961 

4. A CHAIR CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING A SEAT, A SUPPORTING LEG STRUCTURE CONNECTED WITH SAID SEAT AND COMPRISING ON EACH SIDE THEREOF A FRONT LEG MEMBER AND A REAR LEG MEMBER, A PAIR OF BRACKETS DISPOSED, RESPECTIVELY, IN TRANSVERSE RELATION TO SAID FRONT AND REAR LEG MEMBER ON EACH SIDE OF SAID SEAT, WITH EACH BRACKET PROVIDING A BRACE MEANS WHICH INTERCONNECTS SAID FRONT AND REAR LEG, ONE OF SAID BRACKETS INCLUDING A PAIR OF OUTWARDLY OFF-SET FLANGE PORTIONS WHICH ARE SPACED APART ALONG THE SIDE OF THE CHAIR AND WHICH FLANGE PORTIONS ARE VERTICALLY INCLINED IN UPWARDLY CONVERGING RELATION, AND THE OTHER OF SAID BRACKETS INCLUDING A PAIR OF OUTWARDLY OFF-SET CHANNEL SHAPED SECTIONS WHICH ARE SPACED ALONG THE SIDE OF THE CHAIR AND WHICH DEFINE, RESPECTIVELY, A FORWARDLY AND A REARWARDLY FACING CHANNEL DISPOSED IN UPWARDLY CONVERGING RELATION, SAID FLANGE PORTIONS OF SAID ONE BRACKET BEING COMPLEMENTARY IN ARRANGEMENT TO SAID CHANNEL SHAPED PORTIONS OF SAID OTHER BRACKET, SO THAT THE FORMER CAN BE RECEIVED BY THE LATTER TO HOLD THE TWO IN POSITION RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER, WHEREBY TWO OR MORE CHAIRS CAN BE PLACED IN SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION WITH SAID ONE BRACKET ON ONE CHAIR DETACHABLY CONNECTED WITH SAID OTHER BRACKET ON THE ADJOINING CHAIR, EACH OF SAID BRACKETS HAVING A LOWER TRANSVERSE MEMBER FORMED ALONG ITS LOWER EDGE TO PROVIDE A DOWNWARDLY FACING RECESS, AND A STUD FIXED TO EACH OF SAID FRONT AND REAR LEGS AT GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY ALIGNED POSITIONS ADJACENT THE UPPER PART OF SAID BRACKETS AND IN POSITIONS TO BE RECEIVED WITHIN THE SPAN OF SAID DOWNWARDLY FACING RECESS, WHEREBY TWO OR MORE CHAIRS CAN BE STACKED VERTICALLY IN SUPERPOSED RELATION WITH SAID LOWER TRANSVERSE MEMBER ON EACH SIDE OF A CHAIR BEING IN SUPPORTED ENGAGEMENT WITH A PAIR OF SAID STUDS ON THE LEG STRUCTURE OF THE UNDERLYING CHAIR. 